Located on the western coast of South America and bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Andes to the East, the Chilean wine-growing climate is similar to that of California’s Napa Valley and Bordeaux. Its wine industry is known for being consistently free of phylloxera, but political and economic unrest has brought its own source of disorder. The recent establishment of a free market has resuscitated the wine industry, and significant investments have been made, switching the economic focus from domestic production to exports. Chile produces roughly a quarter of the wine Argentina produces, and is known for single-varietal exports, predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carmenère and Chardonnay. Our good friend, Mark Sullivan of Regal Wines, will be on hand Saturday to pour and discuss some of the fine bargains that fall in the under ten dollars category. These wines may be inexpensive but they are great for drinking on an everyday basis. The beauty of Chilean wine is truly the value one receives at the check-out counter. I can’t imagine these wines being much cheaper in Chile itself. “Una Ganga!”

2009 CONO SUR VIOGNIER, COLCHAGUA VALLEYList price 8.99; our price 5.99We have restocked this brand that was a big hit at an earlier event. Sweet fruity notes of apricots, citrus and peaches combine with pleasant oak aromas. Fresh and lively in mouth, this Viognier with concentrated stone fruits, is fresh, tasty, full and savory. It has density and structure, with a good acidity level and nice persistence. This is a well-suited wine for dishes that may seem hard to pair, such as sweet-and-sour preparations (glazed jam, Teriyaki sauce). Other suggestions are spicy Chinese noodles with shrimps, pasta with peas, and crispy fried chicken.

2008 VIÑA CALINA CHARDONNAY, RESERVA, VALLE DE CASABLANCAList price 10.00; our price 7.99The 2007 Calina Chardonnay was one of the Wine Enthusiast’s Top Values for 2008, receiving a Best Buy designation. The 2008 is every bit as good, possessing the characteristics every wine consumer is looking for. It shows subtle aromas of butter, balanced by notes of citrus blossoms, green and red apples, white peach and melon. The wine is velvety smooth on the palate with light oak flavors, good acidity, a crisp, long finish and a hint of minerality.

2007 CONO SUR “BICYCLE” CARMENÈRE, COLCHAGUA VALLEYList price 8.99; our price 5.99This is a delicious and velvety Carmenère, which displays red fruit aromas combining perfectly with spicy hints. It has good body and is tasty, juicy and enjoyable. Due to its good structure and balanced acidity, it should drink well for 2 to 3 more years. It’s a good choice for almost any type of meat. Also, different kinds of pâté and cold cuts are a good option to begin with. A few dishes that go great with this wine are meat stews, sautéed lamb chops, lentils or bean soups, and stuffed tacos or burritos. As far as cheeses are concerned, it pairs well with blue cheeses, and hard ones like Asiago.

2008 VIÑA CALINA MERLOT, RESERVA, VALLE DEL MAULEList price 10.00; our price 7.99This is a blend of 85% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec and 1%Cabernet Franc. It shows red berries, plums, black and red cherries and cedar on the nose. The mid-palate is plump, plush and juicy with a dash of vanilla from the oak barrels. The long finish is bolstered by mild tannins and balanced acidity.

2008 VIÑA CALINA CARMENÈRE, RESERVA, VALLE DEL MAULEList price 10.00; our price 7.99The blend here is 80% Carmenère, 12% Merlot, 5% Syrah and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is proof that good wine gets made in the vineyards. The color is dark and inky with deep purple hues. The aromas are intense with ripe berries, smoked bacon notes, sweet cotton candy, spices and hints of vanilla. The tannins are well-integrated, providing the underlying structure to support the wine’s opulent fruit. The finish is medium-long and elegant with hints of oak spice.

2008 VIÑA CALINA CABERNET SAUVIGNON, RESERVA, VALLE DEL MAULEList price 10.00; our price 7.99​This amazing Cabernet is a true expression of the Maule terroir. Overall, 2008 was an excellent year with mild autumn temperatures that allowed the grapes to hang for an extended period The blend of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, 2% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot is dark red in color, and features ripe blackberries, cedar, spice, vanilla and cola in the nose. A lush mid palate is backed up by firm tannins and a long finish.